** spoiler omitted **
Round 3
Updated Map-- Link
Active Effects-
Cavalier's Challenge--+1 to attack rolls
Bless--+1 to attack rolls
Inspire Courage--+1 to attack rolls, +1 to damage
Initiative-
Casimir-21
Tuskgutter- 20
Karina-13
Edric-8
Kressle-5
Vaysh-5
Fenna-5
Malthir-4
Damage on Tuskgutter-6 points non-lethal, 27 points lethal
Casimir's words continue to inspire the group as they press the attack- Casimir and Shadow make an attack on Tuskgutter, and Shadow manages to catch the Boar viciously in the snout with a hoof.
Ignoring Malthir now, the Boar shifts its attention to the one who caused it the most pain- and attempts to gore Edric up on his steed. The tusk rips through Edric's armour towards his heart,and for a moment it looks as though Edric's adventuring career is over. However, the Tusk gets caught on the edge of the armour where it ripped through, preventing it from penetrating any vital organs. As it rips its tusks out of the cavalier, its clear Edric is in great pain.
Karina takes careful aim and makes another shot at the Boar, but her aim is off and the bolt flies overhead.
Current HP is 15. Get my action out of the way
Round 3 Action
Throwing caution to the wind, as a move action Malthir drops his shield, swift action to heal himself and then attack the boar as hard as I can with 2 hands on Longsword.
2-handed
EDIT: Current HP is now 19.
EDIT: Corrected round... :D
Well forest lord, now we dance to the death you and I. You are a great beast, but you can not stand against the Guardians. It is time for Erastil to take you! Malthir puts a deep slice across Tuskgutter's front leg as it pulls away from Edric.
AC is now the big 16...
Round 4
A shiver of fear runs through Casimir as a third of his companions take a vicious blow from the ferocius animal.
Those tusk pierce through armor as if it was made from rotted sackcloth. If we don't put him down soon, it will be the death of one of us - or all. Best to stike hard and heal later!
Raising his buckler to shield the wounded cavalier, he slices out with his dueling blade, and directs his combat-trained horse to strike once again.
For glory, Guardians. Every drop of blood shed will only heighten the worth of our deed!
Casimir's attack:
Shadow's attacks:
Vaysh looks at the situation with a grimace on her face. I hate to use this in the woods, but I have little that will do anything to the creature.
She pulls out the alchemist’s fire from her bag and begins maneuvering for position to fire from, unwilling to take the shot until she feels confident in her ability to hit the broadside of a boar.
Edric's Round 3 Action-
Wincing in pain from the wound the beast gave him, Edric puts his shoulder into a vicious lunge from his lance and attempts to direct Talia to attack. While the blow from his lance is mighty, the powerful attack leaves Edric off-balance and he is not able to direct Talia to attack.
Attack Roll
Damage
vs DC15
Round 3 Action-
Kressle is inspired and invigorated by a mixture of magical and mundane teamwork- her twin axes are a blur as she hacks into the Boar with them both, hacking into Tuskgutter's hindquarters. Chunks of Boar flesh fly through the trees, but the mighty beast roars in defiance, despite the wounds that must surely be mortal blows now?
Kressle darts away from the massive beast, fearing his counterattack. As she moves, Tuskgutter punishes her for the blows she struck on him with a vicious counterblow that is swung too late, as she darts away.
Barely conscious after the vicious blow from the boar the knight wobbles in his saddle for a second before regaining his focus. Even though he is grievously wounded, Edric refuses to retreat from a combat. Mustering all of his spirit he spurs Talia to attack and as she rears up he thrusts at the beast with his lance.
In a brutal attack, Cavalier and Mount attack the Boar with gusto, tearing a huge hole in the creature where the lance impales it, and leaving a nasty bite and hoof mark where Talia makes her disdain for the creature known!
Kressle cuts deeply into the creature and it roars in pain from the horrific injuries the group deals it. Still standing despite wounds that will eventually kill it, the Boar snorts in rage just as Malthir makes the final blow. With an almighty crash the Lord of the Forest falls to the floor dead, its wounds too great for even the mighty beast to continue the fight.
The group leap away from the Boar's vicious death throes that threaten to uproot trees and gore anyone that gets too close, and after a few moments the life in the creature's angry eyes fades...
Vaysh moves up towards the carcass of the dead boar and looks at the creature. It saddens me that we must do this. The forest will change because of his passing, her face holds the sad and pensive look as she surveys her companions. I have already provided Malthir what aid I can. Does anyone else seek the burning caress of My Lady?
Another battle behind us, and some of us nearly died again. I was less than helpful in this. Mayhaps I need to form my bond into something that has more application during encounters such as these. I should seek Her divine guidance on this. If only Heart were here, he would have words to guide me.
No thankyou, Vaysh. I've suffered worse, and my potion healed the majority of my wounds. Kressle replies, blood dripping down her wounds and Tuskgutter's gore all over her arms. As for the forest, i'm sure Tuskgutter's demise will help the forest to flourish- who knows how many animals will be able to flourish without one creature dominating a large section of it. You did what you had to do, don't worry too much about it; this could only have ended with our blood or his. Kressle pauses, and remains silent for a moment, something on the tip of her tongue that she decided not to say.
A few moments later, she then says in a crisp tone-
That was no easy foe. I hope my help worked towards my redemption. Kressle says in a crisp tone.
So... What are your plans now, Guardians of the Greenbelt?
Kressle bows in jest to Casimir, curtsies and offers her handaxes towards him with her head bowed.
My weapons, My Lord... she says, a mocking smile just visible... Realising she is offering them blade extended, she hastily flips them both over in the air, catching both by the blades and offering the handles to Casimir instead.
Malthir... Are you ok?! Karina exclaims as she races over to the warrior, pulling him into a tight embrace.I...I thought the beast had killed you for sure! she says, with a tear running down her face, burying her head into Malthir's neck.
She looks up at the Knight with her head resting on Malthir's shoulder, and exclaims in the same relieved tone-And Sir Edric, I thought the same of you! But you struck the beast such a mighty blow after it wounded you I knew you would be ok... she says with a shy smile, still holding a wounded and somewhat uncomfortable looking Malthir in a tight embrace.
Vaysh tilts her head to the side in a practiced motion, allowing her hair to be caught behind her ear. She looks to Kressle, Yes, lambs will flourish when the predators have been cleared away. The Forest Lord held no malice in his heart though; he was a creature of this place that had ascended to lordship over it. I am lucky to have beheld him during his final battle. His memory, his fight shall stay with me from here on in.
Vaysh smiles at Kressle, I am not saddened that we have lived in this, nor that the Forest Lord shall no longer attack children that wander into his path. It saddens me that we have struck down a true child of this place so that we can make way for the new order. I must wonder how long it will be before all the old signs of this world are gone.
Vaysh nods towards Kressle, Your bravery in the face of the beast will surely speak towards your credit.
Vaysh smiles at Kressle, I am not saddened that we have lived in this, nor that the Forest Lord shall no longer attack children that wander into his path. It saddens me that we have struck down a true child of this place so that we can make way for the new order. I must wonder how long it will be before all the old signs of this world are gone.
This is assuming you succeed here where Taldor failed many years ago... These lands are not easily tamed. Before I... Before I realised the Stag Lord lied to me I always thought he would be the one to tame these lands... Form a Kingdom like Pitax... But perhaps not even he is up to the task, especially so deep into hs cups...
Vaysh nods towards Kressle, Your bravery in the face of the beast will surely speak towards your credit.
Kressle seems to be smiling in pride for a moment, before her face contorts into a frown once more. You get the impression she isn't used to having her accomplishments recognised...
Vaysh takes note of Karina embracing Malthir, but gives no response. She still runs to him as such, even though he has rebuffed her. Soon Karina and Kressle will leave our direct company, mayhaps then she will find some closure on her impulses…I wonder what it would feel like to be held like that. Vaysh shakes her head at the last thought, her hair releasing from behind its dam and flooding down into her face.
Vaysh turns towards Kressle, Certainly there is a chance for failure, and the question of colonization is only that, a question. At the moment, we are here to stamp out banditry and bring calm to these lands. Too much here is out of control, a danger to those within the confines of the Stolen Lands. In my mind I know that the death of the Forest Lord was necessary, but I am left to wonder if the only reason that my way is better is because of strength of arms. None of us were his equal, we have swarmed upon him like ants…or Issians…and brought him low. I will hold the memory of his final moments with us in the same place that I remember your valiant effort to fight against him.
She seems to respond well to positive feedback, well do I know how such feels. She has aided us when we needed it, though only I seemed to believe she should be armed. I will speak with her alone later, mayhaps there is more to her than I gave credit for on our first meeting.
Vaysh thinks a moment, then replies to Kressle again while stepping closer to the other woman so that the conversation is clearly between the two of them, To take these lands from their wild state is not done by the force of one man, nor a nation. It will be actions of many individuals together that make a change here. I know the place that I hope to see, I want to find these Stolen Lands returned to civilization. I want this to be a place of kindness and welcoming, where neighbors will aid each other for the betterment of all. It is only with the strength of individuals who will stand up and fight for such that these changes will come. In such a place I hope that what happened to you and your sister would never occur again.
Vaysh closes with a smile at the other woman. I hope that kindness may go a long way with Kressle.
To take these lands from their wild state is not done by the force of one man, nor a nation. It will be actions of many individuals together that make a change here. I know the place that I hope to see, I want to find these Stolen Lands returned to civilization. I want this to be a place of kindness and welcoming, where neighbors will aid each other for the betterment of all. It is only with the strength of individuals who will stand up and fight...
Kressle remains silent for some time, drinking in your words. When she meets your gaze once more, her eyes are dark and sorrowful.
I would not wish my fate upon anyone... she says, grief heavy in her voice.
Perhaps... Perhaps if I am spared a grim fate in this trial... I could be one of these individuals that helps to make a change? Kressle says, and for a moment she sounds like an innocent child rather than the tough, seasoned woman she is. I wasn't always... So hard to the world... Maybe we can stay here in these lands Karina? The skills the Stag Lord taught me can be used for good ends as well as selfish and evil ones...
Karina just smiles and embraces her sister, holding her tightly. She mouths silently to Vaysh-
Thankyou for your kindness, Vaysh. I know it can't be easy.
Vaysh nods at Kressle’s admission. I know that you would not, nor would I.
Vaysh shifts her head to protect her face from the outside world, her aegis masks both her goddess’ mark and the tear rolling down her face. The skill you have with your axes is obvious. It made you a fearsome opponent, and if you would wish to aid us I am certain they would make you a notable ally. It is something that time shall be able to tell.
Vaysh nods simply towards Karina.
Malthir... Are you ok?! Karina exclaims as she races over to the warrior, pulling him into a tight embrace.I...I thought the beast had killed you for sure! she says, with a tear running down her face, burying her head into Malthir's neck.
She looks up at the Knight with her head resting on Malthir's shoulder, and exclaims in the same relieved tone-And Sir Edric, I thought the same of you! But you struck the beast such a mighty blow after it wounded you I knew you would be ok... she says with a shy smile, still holding a wounded and somewhat uncomfortable looking Malthir in a tight embrace.
Malthir gently creates some separation between himself and Karina I am fine Karina, luckily between Vaysh and Fenna, they were able to keep me together. Edric you look sorely wounded, let Iomedae's touch help you. Fenna can you also assist Edric? He appears to still be hurt.
Malthir walks over to Tuskgutter and turns around to face the group, Today we have accomplished no small thing. Yes we must mourn the passing of one age, but I think this signals the beginning of another. A time where the deeds and actions of people will help carve a way forward to peace and prosperity. Each of you were part of this, each of you made it happen. Remember this day, as I will, that detemination and teamwork overcame what many said could not be done!
I think we should create a splint of some sort in order to pull Tuskgutter behind our horses and head back to Oleg's. Tonight we should have a celebration and have a boar roast like there has never been in these parts!
Done with his talk for the moment he finds the nearest stump and sits down to rest, inspect his own wounds, and take a sip of water.
As long as everyone agrees on the plan, on the ride back:
As the mighty boar chrashes to the groud, Casimir pulls up shadow and breathes hard, long gasps of excited exhaustion.
Victory! What a fearsome fight this was. And what a fine tale it will make. I'll do my best to make it do justice to what happened here today.
He turns to Edric.
Your skill at fighting at horseback is remarkable. I found myself unable to land a single blow. I am more used to dancing the blade dance on my own feet You must teach me the ways of horseback battle in the future, my friend.
You are injured. I have a single healing spell left, but I would prefer to save it in case there is any more toruble before we reach Oleg's. I hope Fenna can aid you with your wounds. If not, let me know.
As Kressel presents her axes to Casimir, he takes them with a nod and a smile.
I shall carry these for you a while longer, My Lady. But be sure, if we face another fight before we return to the trade post, you shall have them back with greater speed. Your courage here today will have no small place in the tale I will tell.
Casimir agrees with Malthir's plan, although he suggests leaving a portion of the meat for the wolf pack.
Think nothing of it, my friend. We each have our own way of viewing the world, and the value of our actions may not always be shared by the entire group. For my part, i merely thought to extend respect to a worthy foe. That respect grew here today, although her charge was both reckless and foolish. But she has courage by the bucketload, I'll give her that.
The Guardians make a litter of sorts for Tuskgutter's fallen body, and although the progress back to Olegs is slow due to dragging the massive beast's corpse, most of the Guardian's are in high spirits, giddy from their victory and successes.
The group make it back to the Thorn River Camp and a little beyond it into the edge of the forest, but it has gotten very late and it becomes clear you won't reach Oleg's until tomorrow. Camping near the area you were ambushed by Boggard's, the group enjoy a hearty meal that Vaysh and Karina prepare (assuming Vaysh allows the serving girl to assist). Kressle herself seems in good spirits despite what might happen tomorrow. Karina herself seems more worried, and her smouldering eyes watch Malthir intently across the campfire throughout the evening.
To Malthir's surprise, Kressle seems to have taken an interest in Iomedae, the strong independent female Deity having an obvious appeal to her. She listens quietly while he speaks about her, a contrast to her sister who asks endless questions and seems to be trying to wrong-foot Malthir.
The group eventually settle into their usual watch pattern and camp rituals, and have a peaceful night of rest in the beautiful forest- although the group had the foresight to cover the fresh kill of Tuskgutter to stop scavengers feasting upon him.
The dawn rises and the Guardians of the Greenbelt begin the last stages of the journey back to Olegs. By 2PM, the group make it to Olegs. The trading post seems to have become a home of sorts to some of the regulars, and some more tents have been set up outside the trading post.
As you approach Olegs, you are met by Kesten Garess and one of his men. The heavily armoured warrior looks Kressle up and down and smirks.
I see you've taken another prisoner- would you like us to keep her caged for you?
Regardless of the response to his question, Kesten later addresses Sir Edric-
Edric, Guardians... On behalf of the Swordlords of Restov I bestow this second charter on you... Kesten clears his throat, a little uncomfortable at public speaking it would seem...
Out of breath from the contents of the massive scroll he is reading from, Kesten hands the charter to the group. He then pulls out a small, sealed letter. Edric immediately recognises the seal of House Orlavsky upon the letter. Handing it over to the Knight, Kesten explains-
This letter arrived the trading post yesterday, with strict instructions for it only to be opened by Sir Edric Orlavsky...
Kesten, there is much we need to discuss and much you don't know about this prisoner. He looks Kesten and the other soldier directly in the eye, She has surrendered to us and we have promised her a fair trial, based upon her past actions as well as her current actions. I want you and your men's word that you will guard her and make sure no harm befalls her before we have a chance to hear her out as well hear the charges that are to be brought against her. I don't want any hot headed folk trying to string her up for things she possibly didn't do. She will be held in the Guardians quarters with a guard outside of the door until we determine the next steps. I hold you and your men personally responsible for her safety, do I have your word? But now we need to figure out how to cook this he points to Tuskgutter and plan a great feast!
He claps Kesten and his man on the back in good humor. Wait until Casimir has a chance to retell this battle, it was a great fight and Tuskgutter was a mighty adversary!
Assuming there are no objections to Malthir's suggestion we can get her settled and guarded. A little later after this...
We should decide on one person to rule upon Kressle's guilt or innocence. That person should way the truth and facts of the charges against her and pronounce judgement after all parties have been heard. Any suggestions?
Kesten nods and gives his word that he and his men shall see to it that she comes to no harm.
As you enter Olegs iself the ruddy-faced man comes to meet you with a beaming smile, and turns pale white the moment he sees Kressle with you...
Wha... Wha? WHAT?!?! he says, sounding rather emotional.
Jhod Kavken seems to have returned from his own sojourn and is watching you all as you enter the post too.
Vaysh nods towards Malthir; she replies Beginnings and endings. As one life is ushered into this world, so to is another taken from us. I shall remember fondly the old while cradling the new.
Vaysh speaks up on Kressle’s behalf once again, Kressle has come to us, surrendered to us, and now she has fought beside us. Though we may identify her charge as reckless, it was also valiant and necessary for one to make the sacrifice leap. Must we once again strip her of her honor? I wish her to keep her honor and if she does seek to be with her sister to walk into Oleg’s a free woman ready to face what she must to earn her freedom.
As the group listens to Kesten, Vaysh replies simply to him, That will not be necessary, Master Garess. Kressle seeks justice here, the Guardians of the Greenbelt wish to ensure that she gets it.
Vaysh winces as she witnesses Oleg’s reaction to Kressle. She moves towards the man quickly and begins to relate their latest tour of the lands to the south, Mister Leveton, Kressle came to us in the night due to her sister’s presence in our company. She wished to know if there was some trick we were apart of. When she found no deception she decided to stay on with us for it was the only way that she would be able to ever find peace with her sister.
She has so far been of aid to us against the Forest Lord, otherwise known among the hunters as Tuskgutter. Without her assistance the creature would still claim the lands south and all would fear his presence there. Now she is ready to face the crimes that she has committed before and has placed herself within the mercy of the Guardians of the Greenbelt.
Vaysh leans in closer to Oleg and speaks more quietly to him, You knew that this was Karina’s intention. I know that this may pain you, but there is healing that can be done between these two girls and Kressle and many she has wronged. Please aid me in this, I beg of your leniency in letting her stay here a time. Vaysh waits for a reply from Oleg.
As for the other matter you spoke with us, she whispers, It was not with her, though she has given us a lead of where to go. You shall be reunited with what you have asked of us.
Vaysh turns away from Oleg and heads toward Malthir, I believe that we must speak of this in private as it is something that the news we have received has changed our position a bit. We should gather all of us together to speak of this.
Once gathered Vaysh looks to her companions, If we are to look toward the foundation of a colony here, we must establish a true system of justice that would start here, with Kressle. Sir Orlavsky is correct, we cannot allow any semblance of mob justice to take hold over the preceding here. If that were to happen, it would taint all further actions we would take in the Greenbelt.
Vaysh holds the pause while she meets everyone’s gaze before continuing. She begins slowly, but allows her words to carry weight. We have spoke of new beginnings back in the woods, we have acted to end the reign of unlawful banditry in the area, this however is the first chance that we have to establish what we shall be in the future.
There will be changes I am sure of how law is conducted, but this is a decision that will effect everything that follows.
She has so far been of aid to us against the Forest Lord, otherwise known among the hunters as Tuskgutter. Without her assistance the creature would still claim the lands south and all would fear his presence there. Now she is ready to face the crimes that she has committed before and has placed herself within the mercy of the Guardians of the Greenbelt.
Oleg shakes his head.
I don't like it one bit dearheart, i'm sorry. I'll accede to your wishes but if Kressle is given a trial I will testify against her. I will accept the judgement of a neutral party, but the final judgement should not be yours or mine..
Jhod Kavken strolls over as Oleg is finishing his sentence.
Perhaps... I can be of assistance here Vaysh. If anyone is a neutral party here, it is I. I arrived after you dealt with Kressle's attacks. I also have certain spells that may be useful in determining if this woman is truly repentant, and I have a Zone of Truth prepared today... Erastil can help me to sort lies from truth in this matter.
Vaysh listens to Oleg and nods, she replies with the only words that she can think of at the time, I understand Mister Leveton.
She turns towards the itinerant cleric and smiles, Mister Kavken, you were at the forefront of my mind on this matter. I had hoped that I would find you back at the trading post by the time that we returned. I would feel that if any are untainted by this business it would be you, and I think that Old Deadeye might have an interest in how this is carried out. I plan to speak with the Guardians on this matter and see if they would be amenable to you presiding in this matter. She holds his gaze for a moment, I can call on you then?
After Mister Kavken has replied, she turns back towards Oleg, I thank you for your indulgence, Mister Leveton, and your willingness to entertain judgment. Without you behind us all of our endeavors would be lessened. I hope that if you would back a trial for Kressle as well as the Guardians, it may go a long way towards the others accepting it. She drops her head a bit, biting her lip for a brief moment, then returns her gaze to him with her unobscured eye, I know that it is asking a lot of you, Mister Leveton.
After Mister Kavken has replied, she turns back towards Oleg, I thank you for your indulgence, Mister Leveton, and your willingness to entertain judgment. Without you behind us all of our endeavors would be lessened. I hope that if you would back a trial for Kressle as well as the Guardians, it may go a long way towards the others accepting it. She drops her head a bit, biting her lip for a brief moment, then returns her gaze to him with her unobscured eye, I know that it is asking a lot of you, Mister Leveton.
Jhod Kavken bows and returns to his seat to await the Guardian's decision.
In response, Oleg nods slowly.
I want to see her hang Vaysh. But we're going to do this the right way; especially now it looks like your group are going to be responsible for a colony someday soon. Kesten filled me in.
I was actually thinking one of the Guardians should pass judgement. The charter from Brevoy gives us this right, but I am open to other options. My main concern is that we know nothing about you Jhod. What sort of man you are, what you are doing here in the Greenbelt, what are your goals. What makes you someone the guardians can trust to pass impartial judgement? The folk here have come to trust us, but you are a stranger, though you are a cleric of Erastil, you have said you have come here seeking redemption. If we trust you with this duty, will you trust us in return and tell us why you are here seeking redemption? We may have been brought together for a reason.
I was actually thinking one of the Guardians should pass judgement. The charter from Brevoy gives us this right, but I am open to other options. My main concern is that we know nothing about you Jhod. What sort of man you are, what you are doing here in the Greenbelt, what are your goals. What makes you someone the guardians can trust to pass impartial judgement? The folk here have come to trust us, but you are a stranger, though you are a cleric of Erastil, you have said you have come here seeking redemption. If we trust you with this duty, will you trust us in return and tell us why you are here seeking redemption? We may have been brought together for a reason.
"Is anyone else wounded?" the gnome asks, looking around her companions concernedly.
"A trial will indeed be important, but I am unsure whether judgement should fall upon a single person," Fenna comments on the discussion regarding Kressle's fate, "when Aroden brought civilization to the lands of Taldor, millennia ago, he instituted the code of laws embraced by the Azlanti people, a tribune of priests would sit in judgement together... perhaps a similar arrangement would serve well here."
EDIT: Actually add +2 to that, so the total would be 19.
Your questions are fair young warrior. I am a travelling Priest of Erastil, with all the wisdom that my many years implies. Fenna has seen me bring comfort and heal many folk at this very trading post over the past few days. I have served as a Judge many times as a Cleric of Old Deadeye; a deity that has always favoured Law and Good idealologies. I also have the advantage of having no bias in this particular issue.
Jhod seems very reluctant to speak about his own goals, but finally relents with a drawn out sigh.
I made an error a few years ago. I helped form a lynch mob against a traveller our community was convinced was a werewolf responsible for several killings... But the true killer was caught shortly afterwards- a cunning and sinister Worg. An investigation by my superiors was carried out, and I lost both my status and my divine gifts. I was spared because the traveller turned out to be a bandit spy, but I was excommunicated.
Jhod pauses, his eyes in pain at the memories.
You must understand- My home is in Galt; such activities are common and the clergy of Erastil do their best to ensure that only evildoers are lynched in their communities.
That was a few years ago. I have been seeking my redemption since, and have learnt not to make hasty judgements. I have felt a tugging towards this place for several months, along with the return of my clerical powers. Upon arriving at Oleg's I had a dream of a temple deep in the forest once dedicated to Erastil. To complete my own redemption, I must restore this temple to its former glory. I found the temple yesterday, but it is guarded by a vicious, angry bear that I could not overcome.
Jhod, I am glad you felt you could trust us. We all make mistakes he leans his head towards the Guardians living quarters and although we must pay for those mistakes, we must also be able to seek redemption for them if we truly wish it. We will discuss it amongst ourselves and let you know, I want to get this behind us as soon as possible.
Alone with the other Guardians Well, what do you say Guardians, do we trust Jhod to properly pass judgement on Kressle? When do we want to do this trial, we need to give the people time to gather witness'.
Vaysh looks at Oleg and nods, I have not lived with what you have lived with, only the stories that remained. She looks to the ground, These are hard things that we must do. Easier to die in the fields of battle or toil than to weigh in on the worth of a person, Lady of Graves is worthy of judging an individual, we can only hope to be a shadow of her.
Vaysh looks to Malthir and shakes her head, I must agree with Mister Leveton. All of us are far to involved in this matter to act as judges. If we were to deal with this, it would be little different than having those wronged by past actions pass final judgment in the matter.
Vaysh turns towards Fenna and asks, Have you insight of where to find others to sit on this panel who are not tied to the events? These lands seem to be filled with many who have been traumatized by its recent history, and only Mister Kavken seems to be unaffected by it so far.
Vaysh listens to what Jhod has to say, Redemption is a common thing in these lands. There are many who seek this elusive ideal here, I hope that we can aid you in your quest to find it. Do you think this is the place that I asked you of before? A bear is said to be a constant guardian in that place as I mentioned.
Among her companions, Vaysh voices one concern, I would hesitate to see magic fielded as a ‘tool’ of justice. Magic can be mislead and misused, if we allow it to be used it may be harder in the future to guard against its interference in a trial. Certainly, allowing some magics to be used may be seen as beneficial, but I would worry how quickly they may become a crutch of legal decisions waiting to be manipulated by the unscrupulous. Mayhaps my worries are mine alone, but as a student of magic I know of how it can be turned from its intended purpose.
After slaying the beast Edric nearly collapses as he climbs down from his saddle. He gladly accepts any healing and once restored he joins in field-dressing the boar and constructing the litter to carry it back to Oleg's. For the most part Edric is quiet for the next few hours. Weather it is because he is still in pain or just bewildered that The Guardians were able to bring down such a large creature, it isn't until they are on the way back to the trading post that he opens up and joins in the excitement of the group, even lending a Casimir a hand in composing and epic poem about the battle with the boar.
When they arrive back at the trading post Edric’s excitement grows tenfold as he hears the proclamation of the new charter, but upon receiving the letter, the smile slides from his face and he falls silent. After tending to Talia and the other horses and cleaning himself up Edric retires to a quiet area to read the letter.
Vaysh listens to what Jhod has to say, Redemption is a common thing in these lands. There are many who seek this elusive ideal here, I hope that we can aid you in your quest to find it. Do you think this is the place that I asked you of before? A bear is said to be a constant guardian in that place as I mentioned.
I am certain of it. I was not comfortable speaking of my past to you at that point, but you will be doing me a great favour if you can deal with the beast in your travels. I would make all my spellcasting services available to you for no charge. Do not have the same misgivings about this beast that you had about the Boar; this creature is not a natural animal, and Erastil has shown me the beast is cursed.
Among her companions, Vaysh voices one concern, I would hesitate to see magic fielded as a ‘tool’ of justice. Magic can be mislead and misused, if we allow it to be used it may be harder in the future to guard against its interference in a trial. Certainly, allowing some magics to be used may be seen as beneficial, but I would worry how quickly they may become a crutch of legal decisions waiting to be manipulated by the unscrupulous. Mayhaps my worries are mine alone, but as a student of magic I know of how it can be turned from its intended purpose.
I have seen a zone of truth used in a trial before. It will help the folk at the trial be certain that Kressle speaks the truth, if we are to consider giving her a second chance, we must know for sure that she speaks the complete truth. It will not compel her to speak, but she will not be able to speak a lie while in it. If her heart is true she will not try to talk her way out of questions and just answer them. I am in favor of using the magic.
Fenna nods thoughtfully to Vaysh, "it may well prove infeasible to find three judges if none of the Guardians are to number amongst them, perhaps Bokken would possess both the wisdom and the respect of the people that is required of such a role, but I can think of no others who could be expected to remain impartial. Jhod Kavken alone may have to suffice in this case."
You open the letter, unsealing it. Inside is a letter signed by Lord Poul Orlovsky, the House's patriarch. It reads-
Dearest Edric,
I hope your adventures in the Greenbelt are faring well. I write this letter because things have changed in Brevoy. The Swordlords of Restov are not who they seem- they have betrayed our cause and are being manipulated by Surtova. Your efforts in the Stolen Lands are detrimental to our cause and beneficial to the Usurpers. Return to Eagle's Watch as soon as you are able and I will be at liberty to provide greater details. Trust in my leadership, as you always have.
Signed, Lord Poul Orlovsky.
Even as the group discuss what to do, word is spreading fast across the locals and refugees staying outside Olegs; many of them have eagerly gathered inside the trading post and Oleg's alcohol trade is booming as many of them eagerly order ales in their excitement...
Seeing that you have brought Tuskgutter in, the hunters let out a mighty cheer, despite some unease at Kressle's presence in the trading post. They present the Guardians with a beautifully crafted Darkwood bow, and six animal bane arrows. The boar is given to Svetlana to begin cooking some of the meat for dinner, and the Guardian's reputation is further enhanced by their mighty deed